The city of Santa Maria has been recognized for its energy efficiency efforts with a $14,731 rebate from Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).

The rebate was issued for the recent installation of energy-efficient pool covers by the city’s Recreation and Parks Department at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center.

The measurement used for a unit of heat energy is called a “therm.”

Compared to pools that do not use covers, new energy-efficient pool covers are projected to save the city more than 35,600 therms of energy annually, which translates to an estimated $48,147 in annual savings, or $240,735 over a five-year period.

Use of the pool covers demonstrates the substantial impact of practical energy investments in a frequently used community facility, the city said.

Beyond the rebate, the city has partnered with SoCalGas through the Santa Maria Valley Chamber on a range of additional efficiency upgrades in recent years.

Through the collaboration, the city received more than $3,900 in no-cost services, including water heater insulation, pipe wrapping, and the installation of low-flow shower heads.

The improvements were implemented across multiple city facilities, including fire stations, administrative offices, and City Hall.

Together, the additional measures result in 7,902 therms saved annually, and more than 39,000 therms over five years. Financially, this equates to $10,667 in annual savings and $53,338 in cumulative savings over five years.

Santa Maria continues to prioritize long-term strategies that reduce costs, conserve energy, and enhance operational efficiency throughout its facilities, the city said.

The energy efficiency upgrades were the direct result of the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Pathways Program, which the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce administers on behalf of SoCalGas.

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber oversees the program regionally, coordinating with municipalities and special districts throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Later this year, the chamber will expand this program into Ventura County.

“This project is a great example of how smart, energy-efficient investments can deliver real savings for our local governments and communities,” said Michael Boyer, chamber president/CEO.

“We’re proud to partner with the city of Santa Maria and SoCalGas to bring these opportunities to life by improving operational efficiency but also reinvesting valuable resources back into our community,” Boyer said.

For more, visit www.santamaria.com.